Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has urged residents to raise their awareness of gas safety during Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, sharing tips for people to stay safe this Winter.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas which has no taste, colour or smell. A carbon monoxide leak can make an individual feel seriously ill and it can kill quickly without warning.

A carbon monoxide leak can come from many home appliances such as oil and gas boilers, gas fireplaces, gas cookers and other appliance you can find out more here.

Toby has joined forces with British Gas who are sharing their tips this Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week:

• Have a qualified, Gas Safe engineer service your gas appliances annually
• Check the pilot light’s on, that there’s no yellow/orange flames or black marks & there’s no condensation nearby
• Know the signs of CO poisoning
• Fit a CO alarm

Toby stated: “With the dark nights’ drawing in – and colder weather approaching – it’s important that we are thinking about how safe our homes are. During Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, I’m keen to make residents aware of top tips to stay ‘gas safe’ around their homes”

Carbon monoxide can be produced when poorly maintained, incorrectly fitted or badly repaired appliances do not burn gas completely. Look out for the following signs that could indicate that a gas appliance is not working correctly, and CO may be present in the house:

· Floppy yellow or orange flame on your gas hob, rather than a crisp blue flame

· Dark, sooty staining on or around gas appliances

· Pilot lights that frequently blow out

· Increased condensation inside windo